REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURE FOR REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTURE FIRMS

REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURE FOR REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTURE FIRMS (ACCORDING TO ARCON DECREE OF 1990) WRITTEN BY SHITTU HABIB. A. ARC/07/0999 ARC 807: Professional Practice and Procedure Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

ABSTRACT This paper critically examines the contents, the importance, and the laws of the ARCON of Decree ‘as amended in 1990’ with regards to requirements and procedure for registration of architecture firms in caring out the professional practice in Nigeria. ARC 807: Professional Practice and Procedure Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

INTRODUCTION The Architect’s Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Decree was made in 1969 and reviewed in 1990. The aim and objectives of the Decree focus on three broad areas- Education and Training; Practice; and Corporate Relations. ARC 807: Professional Practice and Procedure Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTURE FIRMS There are three categories of firms registrable with the Council: CATEGORY A: i. ii. Business names, or Corporate Bodies with all the Proprietors, subscribers, share-holders and directors as fully registered architects with Nigerian citizenship. ARC 807: Professional Practice and Procedure Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTURE FIRMS CATEGORY B: Architectural firms incorporated in which the fully registered Architects; i. Holds 60 percent of the shares jointly or severally. ii. Show indisputable evidence of operational, signatories and financial control of the firm. ARC 807: Professional Practice and Procedure Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTURE FIRMS CATEGORY C: Multi-disciplinary consultancy firms with fully Registered Nigerian Architect possess the following; i. Holds 60% of the shares jointly or severally. ii. Show indisputable evidence of operational, signatories and financial control. iii. The non-Architect directors are registered professionals in the building industry. ARC 807: Professional Practice and Procedure Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

PROCEDURE FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTURE FIRMS Applicant’s firm shall return duly completed application form to the Registrar and attach photocopies of following: (a) Corporate body with limited liability i. certificate of incorporation. ii. Form C. 07 and Memorandum and Articles of Association; ARC 807: Professional Practice and Procedure Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

PROCEDURE FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTURE FIRMS (b) in the case of a business name: (i) Certificate of registration. (ii) Form C. 02 *There is an annual renewal fee for the registration of the firm. ARC 807: Professional Practice and Procedure Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

PROCEDURE FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTURE FIRMS Sponsors columns shall be properly filled with the sponsors clearly stating the following: (a) Names, addresses; (b) Affix the Council’s seal; (c) Quote full registration number and year of registration before signing. ARC 807: Professional Practice and Procedure Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

Conclusion The ARCON decree of 1990 spelt out what is required of a registered Architect(s) in seting up of an Architecture firm, thereby complementing the requirement of Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. ARC 807: Professional Practice and Procedure Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria